Courses in this department are designed to encourage each student's creative expression and technical expertise through the visual arts. Individuals are encouraged to have confidence in their own productions, to value their own ideas and instincts as well as those of their peers, and to learn a variety of techniques for use with a variety of media. Risk-taking and a high degree of individual interpretation of assignments are encouraged. Competence in fundamental studio skills, particularly drawing, painting, and use of ceramics and metals, is stressed. Students are encouraged and expected to develop their technical skills in order to most successfully present their concepts and to utilize their problem solving skills to the best of their ability.

Examples of Student Work

Foundations projects
Wire sculpture
Gestural stick sculpture
Graphic design travel posters
Ceramic texture tiles
Expressionistic self-portraits with natural objects
Color theory scavenger hunt
1 and 2 point perspective drawing
3D architectural models
Collage of contemporary American culture
Cornell boxes
Temporary earth sculpture
Surrealist dream paintings
Masks made in the Latin American tradition
Plein Air painting
Linoleum prints of Midland’s native and non-native plants
Pop Art paintings and sculpture
Handmade books

Metals projects
Fabrication of silver bands
Stone setting
Bracelets
Pendants
Large-scale welded figurative sculpture
Casting in bronze and silver